Facing the Future
Cobble Stone, Bronte Bark Colour
INTERIOR INSTALLATION GUIDE
StoneRox is a thin stone veneer, manufactured to replicate the look of natural stone. StoneRox is made with lightweight
aggregate, portland cement, coloured pigments and a variety of admixtures. StoneRox can be applied over any surface
and does not require a foundation.
TYPICAL INTERIOR INSTALLATION
StoneRox is best applied to either plywood or cement board. Prior to beginning your project check the type of
surface you will be covering to ensure the vertical wall is sound, clean and dry. For application over existing
Brick Masonry a scratch coat will be required.
CALCULATING STONE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR PROJECT
Measure wall surface minus openings for windows and doors, then measure vertical feet of outside corners required.
When ordering be sure to advise total square footage and vertical corners required.
APPLYING STONEROX OVER PLYWOOD OR CEMENT BOARD
If you have chosen a ‘dry laid‘ style such as Dry Stack Stone or Mountain Ledge and do not wish to grout upon
completion, you may consider painting the back wall a colour to compliment the stone colour.
Prior to installation lay out a small section on the ground (15-20) pieces. This will allow you to better blend the sizes
and colours you have chosen. Arrange the pieces so they fit nicely together allowing for consistent sizing
of the joints. You may want to pick pieces from various boxes in order to achieve a good colour and profile blend.
Using a clear general purpose silicone sealant or construction adhesive.
Adhesive Options
1. Clear general purpose silicone sealant Trade Name - Tremco Tremsil 200.
2. Bulldog Grip - PL Premium Construction Adhesive both are readily available at Building Supply Retailers.
Fireclay Options
1. Available at most Building / Masonry Supply Retailers.
Use a level or plumb line to maintain straight installation.
Install corners first, alternating the long and short legs, and work towards the center of each wall.
Use a caulking gun, apply generous spots of adhesive to the back side of each stone and press firmly into place.
Avoid moving stone once placement is complete, less movement of each stone will provide a better bond.
Wooden wedges can be inserted between stones and removed when adhesive is dry. These wedges will provide
voids for the grouting of the stone.
For larger stones, a mix of adhesive with fireclay refractory cement will enhance the bond strength.
Place larger stones first then fill in gaps with smaller pieces or cut pieces. Position cut edges up above eye level
and down below eye level for better appearance.
Cutting and trimming stone should be done with a small hand grinder using a dry diamond blade for clean cut.
Nippers can also be used for trimming stone.
When the adhesive is dry you are ready to grout the stone.
www.stonerox.ca
APPLYING STONEROX OVER MASONRY - CONCRETE - STUCCO
Over Clean and Untreated Wall: Examine the surface to ensure no release (oil) is evident. If present, wash with
muriadic acid, rinse thoroughly and score with a wire brush.
Over Dirty, Painted or Sealed Wall: Sandblast or waterblast to original surface, wash thoroughly. Another option is
to use a non-galvanized black metal lath to adhere the scratch coat. Available at most Building Supply Outlets.
Scratch Coat
OPTION 1. Type S Masonry Cement (1 bag), Brick Sand ( 3 to1 ratio - brick sand to cement), Stone Mason
Cement Bond (2 in 1 acrylic bonding agent ) or equivalent - see manufacturer's specifications for dosage
requirements. Small amount of Portland Cement can be added to enhance mix design but not required (10 lbs).
OPTION 2. High Bond Cement Brick Sand (3 to 1 ratio - brick sand to cement).
Before applying scratch coat, be sure all electrical boxes are in place.
Using a plaster or mason’s trowel, spread an even layer of scratch coat to the entire surface over the metal lath
(if used), thickness to be 1/2" to 3/4".
Work the scratch coat into the holes of the lath and scrape off the excess.
With the scratch coat still slightly wet, lightly scrape the surface with a soft bristled brush with out removing any
cement from the surface. This will provide a rougher surface for the stone to bond to.
Let the scratch coat dry before applying the stone. Drying time will vary depending on temperature and humidity.
The scratch coat will lighten in colour as it dries.
If you have chosen a ‘dry laid’ style such as Dry Stack Stone or Mountain Ledge and do not wish to grout upon
completion, you may consider adding colour to the scratch coat to compliment the stone colour, available at your
Building Supply Outlet.
Prior to installation lay out a small section on the ground (15-20) pieces. This will allow you to better blend the sizes
and colours you have chosen. Arrange the pieces so they fit nicely together allowing for consistent sizing of the joints.
You may want to pick pieces from various boxes in order to achieve a good colour and profile blend.
Install corners first, alternating the long and short legs, and work towards the center of each wall.
As a guideline to keep your stone level for certain patterns, lightly etch a horizontal line using a 4' level on the
hardened scratch coat. These lines are etched in 12" increments, vertically.
Size each stone to anticipate the joint size, which may vary depending on style and personal preference. Brush off
any dust, dirt or loose particles prior to applying setting mortar to stone.
In hot weather, the back of each stone can be moistened with a fine spray of water or a wet brushing to prevent
mortar from losing its bond to the stone.
Once you choose the correct stone, use a trowel to spread your setting mortar over the entire back of each stone,
roughly 1/2" thick.
Press each stone firmly against the wall, applying pressure to insure a good bond. Continue pressure until mortar
squeezes out from all sides of stone. Should mortar drip onto another stone, wait for it to dry, then brush off with a
dry whisk broom.
Try to keep the face of all stones clean from mortar droppings. Place larger stones first then fill in gaps with smaller
pieces or cut pieces. Position cut edges up above eye level and down below eye level for better appearance.
The cut edges will also be concealed by the mortar jointing.
Cutting and trimming stone should be done with a small hand grinder using a dry diamond blade for clean cut.
Nippers can also be used for trimming stone.
GROUTING THE STONE
Note: Not all styles require grouting, Dry Stack and Mountain Ledge may be laid dry, if so desired.
Decide on the type of joints you prefer, Standard raked joint, flush joint or overgrouted joint. Mix grouting mortar as per
manufacturer’s instructions.
Keeping the top twisted, gently squeeze the grout into the joints, filling all gaps between stones. The grout will tighten
and seal all areas around each stone.
Let the grout dry until it is firm but not solid. This could take 30-60 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
For a standard rake joint, use a wooden or metal jointing tool to rake out the excess mortar. This will force the mortar
into the joints and enable you to achieve the desired depth of the finished joint.
For a Flush joint apply the grout so that the grout completely fills the joints.
To overgrout, carefully allow the grout to settle on the edges of the joints. Should the mortar smear on the stone, then
you should allow more time before finishing.
Once the jointing is complete, use a soft dry brush to sweep excess dust off both the stone and the mortar joint, do
not allow the mortar to set up over night, as it may stain the stone.
Hearth Stones
Are available to complete fireplace installation, Hearth Stone can be laid raised or flat.
If a raise hearth is desired, build the frame before proceeding.
A mortar bed is required to keep the stones in place, approximately 3/4" thick.
Place the hearth pieces on the mortar bed and tap down lightly to level with a rubber hammer.
If cutting is required use the cuts on the inside and grout the joints as above.
Safety First
Always check with your local building codes prior to any renovations.
Always take safety precautions; safety glasses and dust mask should be worn at all times.
All cutting of stone should take place outdoors and ear protection used when working with a grinder or saw.
Cleaning
Cleaning should not be required, however if circumstances dictate use only granulated soap or mild detergent diluted with
water and a soft bristle brush.
Never use a wire brush, pressure washer or acid containing products.
If you have a conventional fireplace, you may wish to seal the hearth stones to avoid soot and smoke stains from
penetrating the stone surface.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Compressive Strength: 35 MPa (5000 PSI) at 28 Days
Water Absorption: Less than 15%
Fire Rating: Zero Flame Spread
Weight: 8-10 lbs/ft2 (using light weight aggregate)
Density: Less than 1700kg/m3
STONEROX IS MANUFACTURED BY
ARCHITECTURAL ACCENTS INC.
P.O. Box 1060 Stouffville, Ontario L4A 8A1
T: 416.798.7809 | Toll Free 866.798.7809
F: 416.798.7819 | E: [email protected]
Visit us at www.stonerox.ca